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Times-Union Jaguars writer Ryan O’Halloran reviews the four keys to Thursday’s game against Houston:

FIRST DOWN

Continue turnover trend

Entering the game: The Jaguars are plus-five in turnover ratio during their three wins since the bye weekend and have moved up to a tie for 21st this year in turnover ratio (minus-4). Houston is 31st in ratio (minus-12 – nine takeaways and 21 giveaways).

What happened: Late in the first half, Houston had decent field position (its 41-yard line), and Case Keenum tried to float a pass over Alan Ball to Andre Johnson. But the underthrow was intercepted by Ball. The Jaguars turned that into a field goal and a 17-7 halftime lead. Geno Hayes’ late interception sealed the win.

SECOND DOWN

Another quick start

Entering the game: Following one first-quarter touchdown in the first eight games, the Jaguars had come out of the gate fast in the last four games. They outscored their last four opponents 38-14 and they jumped out to leads of 14-0 at Tennessee (and won) and 10-0 at Houston (and won).

What happened: The Jaguars made it four opening-drive touchdowns in five games with an impressive 13-play, 80-yard march to start the game. By early in the second quarter, it was 14-0 Jaguars — their largest lead of the year.

THIRD DOWN

Red zone resurgence

Entering the game: The Jaguars are still last in red zone touchdown efficiency, but in the last four games, they have six touchdowns in 10 red zone trips (60 percent). Houston is third in fewest yards allowed but are ranked 31st in red zone defense.

What happened: The Jaguars went 2-for-2 in the red zone to build a 14-0 lead — Chad Henne threw 1 yard to Marcedes Lewis (on third-and-goal) and 6 yards to Cecil Shorts (on third-and-4) — in the first half.

FOURTH DOWN

Utilizing Sanders

Entering the game: Rookie Ace Sanders has 20 catches for 189 yards (he had 16 catches for 182 yards in the first nine games). Two new wrinkles were unveiled for Sanders against Cleveland and they could have more in store for the Texans.

What happened: Offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch didn’t waste any time going to Sanders. On the Jaguars’ first third down, Sanders started in the backfield and squeezed through traffic to catch Chad Henne’s screen pass for an 11-yard gain.